California Today

Sonoma County Sheriff Closes Cold Case After DNA Links Suspect to 1983 Guerneville Killing

02 June 2026 14:50

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office has closed a 1983 cold case after DNA evidence identified a deceased suspect in the Guerneville killing. - The victim, Mary Smith, 34, was found dead in her home on July 15, 1983.

- Advanced DNA testing linked the suspect, John Doe, who had a prior criminal record. - The case was reopened in 2022 as part of a cold case initiative.

The closure provides resolution to the victim's family after more than four decades.

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